Mixed-use meets modern architecture. That's probably the best way I can describe these 2 up-and-coming projects in Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital neighborhood.
If you are unfamiliar with Graduate Hospital (sometimes referred to as G-Ho, coined by Bradley Maule, founder of the former/newly-resurrected PhillySkyline.com), it may very well be Philadelphia's most changed neighborhood over the past 10 years.
Formally named after an actual medical center, which used to be known as Graduate Hospital and is now known as Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse, this Center City'ish neighborhood still goes by the G-Ho name but has completely changed its look. Most local residents now prefer to call it Southwest Center City, or South-of-South (being that it's just south of South St; clever). Its borders are most commonly recognized as being West of Broad St, South of South St, East of the Schuylkill River, and North of Washington Ave.
What has really made this neighborhood come alive in recent years is increased residential demand for Center City living. Center City has always been home to the following zip codes: 19103, 19102, 19107, and 19106. Nowadays, parts of 19130, 19146, and 19147 (among others) have basically become linked to Center City Philadelphia (or Downtown Philadelphia, if you're not local). And since all of those neighborhoods (including G-Ho) offer similar amenities to Center City (e.g. walkability/bikeability, jobs, parks, restaurants/bars, events, etc.), they have now been meshed together and are being treated almost as one in the same; each with their own unique pros, cons, and prices.
What makes Graduate a little different? Here are a few things, in my professional opinion:
1. It's heavily residential, and has well defined boundaries.
2. It has a great housing stock, as well as the option to build/buy new construction.
3. It's has tree-lined streets, parks, and involved neighbors.
4. It's just south of Rittenhouse/Fitler, just west of BV/QV, and just east of the Schuylkill River Trail.
5. It has an up-and-coming commercial scene on South St West kickstarted by restaurants, shops, and everyday businesses; which has also improved its overall livability.
Since all of this has occurred, prices have skyrocketed over the past 10 years (upwards of 500% in some instances).
Why?
Well, look at some of the reasons I noted above; those are common reasons that are driving people to discover urban living again. It's a desirable neighborhood (due to its location), it has well defined boundaries (which limit its supply), and it has high demand (as already noted).
Now that you know a little more about G-Ho, check out these 2 new projects that are helping shape an already successful neighborhood into one of Philadelphia's most desired spots.
